TOUR DAY 2011: Illinois Tours

This full day tour by deluxe motor coach presents some of the greatest works of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of Modernism and one of the most influential architects of the twentieth Century, who lived and worked in Chicago for over 30 years. We begin with a visit to the twin towers designed by Mies on Chicago’s lakefront, considered to be the first modern skyscrapers. Next we tour the campus of Illinois Institute of Technology, originally designed by Mies. Here we visit the magnificent Crown Hall, which Mies himself described as his best work. Along the way we view renowned buildings designed by architects influenced by Mies: John Hancock Center, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Lake Point Tower and more. The afternoon of the tour is devoted to an exploration of Farnsworth House, the famous "glass house" created by Mies in an idyllic country setting, about 60 miles from Chicago. We will enjoy an included buffet lunch en route. Tours depart from the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 South Michigan Avenue. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.

An all day bus tour featuring the houses of worship by noted Chicago architect Edward Dart. Tour begins at Water Tower Place, a secular Dart construction, and continues on to St. Procopius Abbey, First St. Paul's Lutheran, and many more. Guided tours will be given at each house of worship.

In the years following World War II, Chicago established itself as a world capital of Modern architecture. On this tour we examine many of the buildings that helped earn Chicago this reputation, from the elegant minimalism of Mies van der Rohe’s Federal Center to the brawny expressiveness of the Richard J. Daley Center. We also look at the rise of Postmodernism, as evidenced by structures like Philip Johnson’s 190 South LaSalle. Modernism is flowering once again in Chicago, and we’ll look at contemporary examples like Trump Tower, the Art Institute’s Modern Wing, and the recently completed tower at One South Dearborn. Tours depart from the CAF Shop and Tour Center, 224 South Michigan Avenue.